Discover the Top 7 Bird Watching Locations in the USA
The United States biggest city is also one of its top birding destinations. Those who enjoy observing birds, delight! The United States is home to several breathtaking sites that provide chances to see a wide variety of bird species in their native environment that are unmatched.
Bird watching is a popular pastime enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. In the United States, numerous locations offer exceptional bird-watching opportunities.
From coast to coast, here are seven fantastic bird-watching destinations across the United States that promise unforgettable experiences for birders of all levels.
Top 7 Bird Watching Locations in the USA
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Point Reyes National Seashore, California
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
- Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio
- Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is heaven for birdwatchers. This park, nestled in the heart of Tennessee, is home to over 240 species of birds, including 60 year-round residents.
The park diverse landscapes, ranging from lowland forests and streams to high mountain peaks, attract different species of birds, making every bird-watching trip a unique experience.
So, here are the top 5 birds found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Northern cardinal
- Scarlet Tanager
- Mourning dove
- Belted Kingfisher
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades is a unique ecosystem located in the southern part of Florida. It’s often referred to as the “River of Grass” due to its vast expanses of saw grass marshes.
This subtropical wilderness is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 360 species of birds. Birdwatchers can observe a wide variety of avifauna, or bird species, in the Everglades.
Here are the top 5 birds found in the Everglades National Park:
- Great Egret
- Wood Stork
- Snail kite: In 2023, the population of this bird is less than 400 breeding pairs.
- Bald Eagle
- Bittern
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
A heaven for seabirds and shorebirds, Point Reyes is located along the California untamed coast. The Point Reyes is home to around 490 different species of birds.
At this top birding location, take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while observing the yearly migrations of species such as the Marbled Godwit and the Western Sandpiper. Winter is the season of greatest abundance for many birds, at Point Reyes.
It is the most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America and contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. So, here are the top 5 birds found in the Point Reyes National Seashore:
- Western snowy plover
- California quail
- Greater yellowlegs
- Hooded merganser
- White-winged Scoter
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, located near the southernmost point of New Jersey, is an important Atlantic Flyway stopover for migratory birds. It is known as one of the best places in the world for birdwatching.
While there are birds to be found all year round, spring and fall are especially good times to come. But October is regarded as the best season in Cape May for birding. At this time of year, almost 400 different species have been recognized.
Explore the many birding sites in this little seaside town and take in the sight of the seasonal migrations, which include magnificent groups of raptors and shorebirds. The top 5 birds found at the Point Reyes National Seashore are listed below:
- Western sandpiper
- Laughing Gulls
- Osprey
- Cape May Warbler
- Black-bellied plover
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
The 57,331-acre, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, is well-known for its wintering waterfowl and sandhill cranes and is located in the center of New Mexico.
Bosque del is also one of the most varied places for bird species in the United States, with 394 species having been sighted there since 1964. Late November to late February is the best time to see a lot of birds, usually over 10,000 sandhill cranes and over 20,000 Ross and snow geese.
A photographers paradise, see the captivating sight of hundreds of birds taking flight against the backdrop of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. So, here are the top 5 birds found in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge:
- American Kestrel: The number of American Kestrel has continued to drop, plunging by an estimated 50%.
- Northern Pintail: In 2023, the pintail population increased. There were 2.2 million northern pintails, up 24% from 2022.
- Great Blue Heron
- Neotropic Cormorant:
- Sandhill crane
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Ohio is a renowned birdwatching location, especially during the spring migration. Over 300 different kinds of birds have been reported at Magee Marsh.
The best time to visit Magee Marsh for bird lovers is in mid-May, particularly the second and third week of May. Enjoy up-close views of neotropical migrants such as flycatchers and warbles as they pass through this significant stopover near Lake Erie.
Thus, these are the top 5 birds found in the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area:
- Canada Goose
- Chestnut-sided Warbler
- Black-billed cuckoo
- Downy woodpecker
- Black-capped chickadee
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
Explore the expansive and varied bird habitats of the Oregon Malheur region. Many species may be seen in this refuge, such as the rare Long-billed Curlew and Sandhill Cranes, offering the birder a unique and educational experience.
The Refuge is home to the widest diversity of songbirds and waterfowl from late winter to the end of May. Here are the top 5 birds found in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge:
- Golden Eagle: There are roughly 30,000 golden eagles left.
- Northern Harrier
- Black-billed Magpie
- Bald Eagle
- Red-tailed Hawk
In conclusion, these seven USA bird viewing spots are a must-visit for birdwatchers due to their distinctive ecosystem and astounding avian variety. Plan your next trip to one of these breathtaking sites to go bird-watching and get lost in the fascinating world of birds.
Also, remember, that each location has its peak bird-watching times, so it’s best to plan to visit accordingly.
